Help! Cat Fur Is Overtaking My Home!

Q: My Calico sheds more than any cat I've ever known. Her hair — especially the white hair — is everywhere. What can I do to stop this? — T.A., via e-mail

A: Assuming the fur coat looks healthy (sleek, shiny and full with no bare patches) your cat is probably shedding a normal amount — which is to say, constantly.

All pets shed. It's a myth that longhaired pets shed more than shorthaired ones. The former just appear to shed more because the hair they lose is more visible. Your cat's shedding may seem more prolific because much of the fur is white and thus shows easily on any dark-colored piece of clothing.

You can't stop a cat from shedding, nor should you try to. It's a normal process for a healthy cat, in which old fur is replaced by new. You can reduce the impact of shedding by grooming your cat daily. After all, the fur you catch on a brush won't show up on your clothes or furniture. Gentle brushing is also an experience that will strengthen the bond with your pet.

For your shorthaired cat, try a grooming glove. These have nubs to catch the fur while you're petting your cat. A couple of minutes a day will collect a large amount of the loose fur that would otherwise be shed.